New EPA Rules Stack ‘Uneconomic’ Costs On Coal-Fired Power Plants: GOP Critics

House Republicans are warning that directives imposed by President Biden could result in the shutdown of over 200 power plants across the country, including Montana’s main provider. The Biden administration’s recent mandate requires coal and gas-fired power plants to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 90 percent by 2039, a move that industry officials say could be devastating for many utilities. For example, NorthWestern Energy’s aging plants in Colstrip, Montana, which supply power to a significant portion of the state as well as customers in neighboring states, are at risk. The utility has already spent millions to comply with existing regulations and will need to invest even more to meet the new emission standards, which it deems economically unfeasible. Congressman Ryan Zinke of Montana expressed concerns during a recent hearing about the potential impact on residents, particularly in cold winter months. He highlighted the increased costs that consumers may face due to the new rule and criticized the administration for not considering the challenges faced by states like Montana. The EPA, however, maintains that the rule will have a minimal impact on energy costs and argues that utilities can adopt various technologies to comply with the regulations. Despite the differing perspectives, the debate over the future of coal and gas-fired power plants continues to intensify. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) stated, “What would be your instructions to [utilities] to reduce emissions by 90 percent? In your explanation, you said, ‘Switch to natural gas and nuclear and some of these other things.’ That effectively is an order to not use coal or gas.”

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